Brian hated the vulnerable position he'd been left in, and knew what mind games Carter was trying to play. He hated that he would be fucking grateful when he was released from the cuffs. And that was what was truly screwing with his head. If he was acting and faking emotions that was one thing. He would be able to adopt a role, and Brian could disappear into his head. That would only work though if he could divorce his emotions, which he was finding really fucking difficult.

He just hoped that Dom wasn't dead. He knew that he and Fenix had a pretty serious beef from their days in Lompoc. Still he'd assumed that Fenix would make a direct move against Dom, not get to Dom by attacking him. It was the first and last time he'd make that mistake while they were in this organisation. He couldn't divorce his emotions so he relaxed as well as he could against the bed - recognising the futility in the motion. He would not be able to leave until Carter wished it so instead, he focussed his mind on fun fantasies. His top one being what he intended to do with Dom to this organisation - his top aim being to burn the whole fucking organisation down to the ground with the top people still being in it. That was a thought that helped relax him, and even calm his nerves to a certain extent.

Well right up until he heard the bedroom door open once again. His muscles tensed, and he flinched a fraction upon feeling the gentle touch that ran up his bare arm. "Why are you so jumpy Chulo?"

Brian bit back the obvious retort of, "You've got me fucking tied up, face down on a bed you psychopath." See no matter what Dom said he was taking less risks in his old age. Instead he tried for quiet and calm, "I didn't know who it was."

There was a smug satisfaction in Carter's voice, "Oh you know better than that ... I told you before that I was the only one who could touch you."

Brian flashed back to five years ago, when he'd been kissed stupid against a wall and Carter had promised that any guy, who looked at him would be killed. Given that Dom had done a whole lot more than look he needed to get him off this train of thought.

Brian tried a different tack, "You shot me, and then you let Dom drag me away."

"It was an accident." The frustration was evident in Carter's voice.

"Yeah but you never came back. I thought you'd gotten bored of me." Brian actually managed to sound petulant.

"No, never bored, but your head was filled with Toretto." He actually sounded sad about that fact. Psycho.

Brian didn't whine, "I can't see you." He needed to at the very least able to see and if he could have a little less bondage fun during this conversation it would be better.

Carter was pleased and glad that Brian was changing his attitude. It was no longer demanding but asking; he'd favour pleading, but knew that would take longer than he had. He would have to meet Braga soon and he needed Brian to be spirited away before the meeting. It was one of the downsides to joint venture. He was no longer his own boss, and had to deal with the whims of his equal partner.

Carter carefully uncuffed his legs from the bed. Brian was careful to stay lax, as his arms quickly followed, but he had to stop when Carter gently stroked his limbs to let the circulation. It was the type of care, he'd been rarely shown when with Verone, which scared him even more. It meant that Verone would be even more unstable. It was ironic that he'd faced so many dangerous situations and yet in his mind this was the worse one. One wrong move, and the obsessive love being directed at him would explode into violence - he'd seen it more than once when he was cop.

Carter pulled him close, encompassing him in long limbs. He wanted to snark that he was not a fucking teddy bear but even Brian knew that you don't poke a stick at an angry bear just to see what happens. He felt the kiss that was pressed to the top of his head, but didn't see it as he'd kept his eyes closed. He didn't feel guilty for pretending it was Dom if it would keep him alive. However in order for it to work he couldn't open his eyes as it would strip the illusion away.

"So you wanted me to come for you Chulo?" He asked hands keeping up their gentle stroking, almost as if he was calming a skittish horse. It was a weird analogy but strangely fitting.

"You shot me, left me and Dom was there."

Carter nodded, "Yes dragging you away to an island. How long did it take to get you into bed?"

Brian tensed, the true answer was almost immediately but he knew that wouldn't go down well - for either him or Dom. He went timid, which was really difficult for him, it just wasn't in his make-up, "A while but Carter you weren't around."

Carter cupped his chin forcing him to meet his eyes. Brian had never been so grateful for ability to act, as he looked the picture perfect definition of sorry, "I'm sorry."

Carter smiled softly looking as if he was about to give benediction, which was plain wrong. "Oh Chulo, I'm not mad." He was pulling him closer, and Brian's eyes fluttered shut. If they stayed open then he would not be able to pretend any longer. Just as their lips met, the phone broke the charged silence. Carter pulled away snarling, annoyed that Braga had just undone all his work.

He answered curtly, "What's wrong?"

Brian watched as Carter got madder, "What the fuck do you mean I have to give him back?"

Brian had to concentrate very hard to not show the relief on his face; he didn't care if Dom called him any ridiculous pet name he liked. As long as he didn't have stay here with Carter any longer than strictly necessary. Carter looked at him and all of his emotion flitted across his face - longing, anger frustration, pent up desire and a few more.

He was dragged into a fierce kiss; all teeth and pent up rage. He reacted enough to show he wasn't resisting but no more; he wouldn't anger Carter when there was a chance he could go free. Carter was pissed, "What's going on Carter?"

Carter sighed, "Well we know how much you're worth to Toretto - 60 million dollars."

Oh, Brian understood immediately and froze. He had no idea how to play this so would follow the lead of Carter; after all, he was still at the mercy of Carter's anger. "I'm not a possession."

Carter was smug, "Oh but Toretto thinks so. Now Braga wants me to hand you over, and I will. But remember when all is said and done - I'm coming for you."

Brian supposed that in Carter's book that counted as romantic, whereas to the rest of the world - it came across as freaking stalkerish. Why him? He so hated his bosses right about now.

Half a day later, an exchange was set up. Brian was still cuffed and brought to the exchange point at which Giselle took over. She smirked at him and spoke quietly, "You'll have your in with Braga tomorrow."

He nodded, the whole thing was fucking insane but if he could salvage it and make it work. Well, at least then it wouldn't have been for nothing. He was surprised to see Campos there as well.

Giselle spoke to Dom coolly and professionally, as if it was a business transaction, not leveraging 60 million dollars against Brian's ass, "Mr Braga wants to say sorry for the inconvenience and would you meet him tomorrow to discuss reparations and new job offers.

Dom neatly caught Brian, and pushed him so that he was behind Dom, and shrugged, "We'll be there but it is best if Mr Verone is not."

Giselle pursed her lips, not particularly fond of Verone herself. "Yeah Mr Braga understands and agrees."

Dom just looked to Brian to ask if he was okay and received a nod in return. They waited until both cars drove off. Dom unlatched the cuffs and pulled Brian into a hug. He was never so
relieved as he was right now. "You okay?"

Brian burrowed a little chasing the smell of Dom, but answered, "Yeah I managed to keep him away from my ass but Dom he is well and truly off the fucking deep end."

"I hear you babe, get in the car. We need to make some new plans."

Brian knew that he was absolutely right and it was the most sensible thing to do. However what he really needed was for Dom to fuck him and get Carter out of his head. He doubted Dom would be too distressed by the idea. He looked his lover directly in the eyes, letting him see all of the relief, love and lust visible. "I want you to fuck me."

Dom returned the lust, and there was a hint of possession in his look, "No arguments from me get in the car honey."

Brian hated the idea of any cutsey nickname, but would give Dom a free pass today, but today only.